Fillings

Dental fillings are used to restore teeth that have been damaged by decay
back to their normal function and shape. Fillings close off spaces where
bacteria can enter, helping to prevent further decay.

Materials used for fillings include porcelain, gold, a composite resin
(tooth-colored fillings), and an amalgam resin (an alloy of mercury, silver,
copper, tin and sometimes zinc).

Which type of filling is best?

There is no one type of filling that is best for everyone. What’s
best for you will depend on the extent of the repair required, whether
you have allergies to certain materials, where in your mouth the filling
is needed and the cost.

Gold fillings are made to order in a lab and are hen cemented into place. They are well
tolerated by gum tissues, and may last more than 20 years. For these reasons,
many dentists consider gold the best filling material. However, it is
often the most expensive choice and requires multiple visits.

Amalgam (silver) fillings are resistant to wear and relatively inexpensive. However, they are more
noticeable than porcelain or composite restorations because of their dark
color. For this reason, they are usually used in less visible back teeth.
More often, the use of silver fillings is being reduced in favor of composite
“white” fillings.

Composite (plastic) resins are used when a natural appearance is preferable. They are matched to
be the same color as your teeth. The ingredients are mixed and placed
directly into the cavity, where they harden. Over time, composites may
chip or wear so they may not be the ideal material for large fillings.
Additionally, they can also become stained from coffee, tea or tobacco.
They do not last as long as other types of fillings (from 3-10years).

Porcelain fillings (inlays or onlays) are produced to order in a lab and then bonded to the
tooth. Again, they can be matched to the color of the tooth and they are
stain resistant. A porcelain restoration generally covers most of the
tooth. Their cost is similar to gold.

What to Expect During a filling

Local anesthesia – you may be given local anesthesia to numb the area around the
tooth at the beginning of the procedure.

Tooth decay removal – we will then remove any decay and prepare the space for the filling material.

Etching – for a bonded filling, we will etch the tooth with an acid gel
before placing your filling.

Resin application – for certain types of fillings we will layer on the resin and harden
it using a bright light to make it strong.

Polishing – after the filling has been placed, we will polish the tooth to
take away any residue.

Not sure if you need a filling – or two? Let us be the judge of that.
Contact is today or schedule an appointment online and we can give you
a thorough exam.